Six of the Best: Diary dates for Leeds in 2018

Here are six dates to put in your diary:

JANE EYRE, LEEDS GRAND THEATRE – MARCH

The ultimate heroine, Jane Eyre’s journey to overcome the odds is one of literature’s finest love stories and it will be brought to the stage in Leeds thanks to Northern Ballet. Orphaned at a young age and cruelly treated by her Aunt, Jane Eyre grows up knowing little kindness but goes on to become one of the most iconic heroines in literature.

With choreography by Cathy Marston, and music played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, Northern Ballet’s dance actors will bring this tale of romance to life.

Showings from March 7-14.

Web: www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

OPERA NORTH & BACK to BASICS – JULY

The symphonic sounds of Back to Basics will return to Leeds after critical acclaim last year. The Orchestra of Opera North will return to the heart of Leeds for another unforgettable night of dance anthems in collaboration with the city’s most iconic club night. The Symphonic Sounds Back to Basics will come make its return to Millennium Square on Friday July 27.

Last year’s event sae Basement Jaxx, Republica and Groove Armada and DJ and Back to Basics founder Dave Beer.

Tickets are on sale now, available online.

Website: www.m.operanorth.co.uk

ITU WORLD TRIATHLON - JUNE

At the ITU World Triathlon Series, the world’s fastest triathletes travel to iconic cities to compete head-to-head in standard and sprint distance races for a chance to be crowned World Champion.

The GO TRI event is the perfect opportunity for first timers to take part in a fun, friendly and short distance triathlon.

The sprint distance event will start with a swim in Roundhay Park’s Waterloo Lake, before participants embark on an 18.9km cycle and a 7.5km run towards the city.

Event takes place on June 9 and 10.

Website: www.wts.triathlon.org

LIVE AT LEEDS - MAY

GIN has enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years, with distilleries opening across Yorkshire and beyond to cope with demand.

Last year’s gin festival at Leeds Town Hall offered up more than 100 varieties and this year’s looks set to be even better. As well as the opportunity to try a huge variety of gins from all over the world, (including exclusive gins you won’t see anywhere else) there will be live music, great food and a gin cocktail bar. Event for over 18s only, ID may be required. Friday June 22-24.

Website: www.ginfesticval.com

GIN FESTIVAL, LEEDS TOWN HALL – JUNE

GIN has enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years, with distilleries opening across Yorkshire and beyond to cope with demand.

Last year’s gin festival at Leeds Town Hall offered up more than 100 varieties and this year’s looks set to be even better. As well as the opportunity to try a huge variety of gins from all over the world, (including exclusive gins you won’t see anywhere else) there will be live music, great food and a gin cocktail bar. Event for over 18s only, ID may be required. Friday June 22-24.

Website: www.ginfesticval.com

LEEDS INDIE FOOD FESTIVAL – MAY

Two years ago the Leeds Indie Food Festival wowed everyone with a display made completely out of cake, including towering models of some of the city’s landmarks.

This year’s event will see hundreds of cafes, bars and restaurateurs gather to create a spectacle to satisfy even the most picky of eaters. There will be everything from street stalls to fine dining experiences and quirky events like foodie film nights.

A city-wide celebration of independent food and drink, this year’s event will run from May 10-28.

Twitter: @LeedsIndieFood